Gemotions

Liam drummed his fingers on the armrest of the stale airport seat, each tap a frantic rhythm against the impending doom. His best friend’s wedding was supposed to start in an hour, and he was still stuck in purgatory. The airline's automated system just announced another delay, pushing back the estimated time of arrival further into the evening.

He imagined the wedding, the speeches, the toasts… all happening without him. A wave of heat washed over him, making him feel exceedingly uneasy. He tugged at the collar of his dress shirt, the fabric suddenly feeling constricting.

His phone vibrated with a text from the groom, a simple "Where are you, man?". He fired back a quick, shaky explanation, the words feeling inadequate, almost childish, in their simplicity. He felt a deep flush rise from his neck to his hairline.